[ ARC forum 2 ]
Written by Damian at 11 Feb 2005 12:56:13: Re: support
As an answer to: support written by josim at 11 Feb 2005 06:50:19:
Hi,
>My boyfriend is going in for a circ in 2 weeks to treat his phimosis and he is too nervous to do any research into it himself, even thinking about it is making him ill. Anyhow, I have a couple of questions;
Really, there isn't all that much to be 'ill' about. This is going to sort out his penis once and for all and he'll be able to enjoy sex without any fears of discomfort for the rest of his life.
>1. He is concerned about losing his frenulum. Can't he just ask the doctor not to remove it?
He can, but if the frenulum is short (quite likely if he has phimosis) it is better to be rid of it. Removing it also gives a better cosmetic finish. I also wanted to keep mine but my doctor persuaded me to allow him to cut it. I have not regretted that decision but it does take a longer time to heal.
>2. How often should bandages be changed after the op? How soon?
That depends on his doctor's advice. All surgeons have a different approach to this and it is best to follow what they suggest. If he does want to change dressings, I would advise you use Melolin non-stick dressings. These have an absorbant lining and keep any blood and lymphatic fluid off the wound. The non-stick surface prevents any adhesion to the wound and believe me, this is something he wants to avoid at all costs! Speaking from personal experience here! DON'T USE GAUZE!
>3. I told him to take a week off work, he insists 2 days will do (he works in an office) suggestions?
Your suggestion of a week is wise. The first few days can be uncomfortable - NOT painful though. There can (and probably will be) a lot of swelling and it can be difficult to find a position for the 'fella' to be comfortable. If he experiences any post op bleeding, that wont be fun in the office! There are guys who say they went back to work after the surgery was done but that would not have been possible for me and others I have spoken to. This is a very individual thing. Perhaps he could take the week off and return after a couple of days if it is all OK.
>4. Any advice on ways that I can try to make him more comfortable when he first comes home from the docs?
Get him to wear tight underwear. I know that sounds like the worst possible thing but it helps to keep down the swelling and immobilising the 'fella' prevents the unwanted stimulation of him bouncing around in loose underwear. Tell him to have a pee before he goes to bed and wake up every 3 - 4 hours to empty his bladder again. Do this for the first few nights and it will help to prevent unwanted nocturnal erections which I have to say are not pleasant till the stitches come out.
>Thanks a ton, it is nice to finally find a resource that isn't COMPLETELY biased. My bf is having the circ out of medical necessity, not because he wants to. ;)
Hope my reply has been helpful. Write again if there is anything else I can help with. I think your bf has made a very wise decision. It is much better to deal with phimosis head on so to speak and have it fixed so he and you can get on with your sex life.
All the best.